Altman home – The man accused in a Molotov attack on Sam Altman’s San Francisco home pleads not guilty and seeks a mental health evaluation.
A Molotov cocktail case tied to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is moving forward after the accused pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and attempted arson.
In state court in San Francisco, Daniel Alejandro Morena-Gama entered the pleas as part of an arraignment that also includes pending federal charges. He did not speak during the proceedings, according to Misryoum.
Prosecutors allege Morena-Gama threw a flammable device at Altman’s home last month, igniting an exterior gate before fleeing on foot. Investigators also say that less than an hour later he went to OpenAI’s headquarters nearby and threatened to burn down the building.
Why it matters: Cases involving threats against high-profile figures can quickly raise public concerns about safety, motive, and how the justice system evaluates claims of crisis or intent.
After an earlier appearance, Morena-Gama’s attorney argued that the incident stemmed from a mental health crisis and said the charges were excessive. The defense characterized the case as, at most, a property-related crime, while also suggesting prosecutors were seeking to elevate the matter.
On Tuesday, the defense asked for a mental health evaluation, and the judge granted the request, setting another hearing for later this month, Misryoum reported. The move keeps the question of responsibility and competency in focus as the legal process continues.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said prosecutors were pursuing evidence supporting the most serious allegations, including what she described as a targeted attack on Altman.
Separately. court filings referenced writings in which Morena-Gama expressed hostility toward artificial intelligence. portraying it as a danger and warning of “impending extinction. ” according to Misryoum.. The documents also indicate he is a 20-year-old from Spring. Texas. who works part-time at a pizzeria and attends community college.
In the aftermath of the allegations, Morena-Gama’s parents said in a statement that he had never harmed anyone and that his mental health concerns emerged more recently.
Why it matters: Even without knowing the outcome yet, the next scheduled evaluation could shape how prosecutors and the court interpret intent, risk, and the path toward accountability or treatment.